Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Review of Florida's Nursing Education Programs, 2016

Report 17-03, January 2017

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Report Summary

To address the nursing shortage in Florida, the 2009 Legislature modified how the Board of Nursing oversees nursing education programs. The intent of these modifications was to increase the number of nursing programs and qualified nurses in Florida.

Since the legislation took effect in July 2009, the number of nursing education programs has increased by 105%. Over time, not all programs have been able to meet the minimum average graduate licensure passage rate specified by law and some have been put on probation or terminated. These closures led to reductions between the 2014-15 and 2015-16 academic years.

  • The number of nursing student seats decreased by 16%.
  • Enrollment in nursing programs decreased by 15%, with the greatest student decrease occurring in associate degree in nursing bridge programs.
  • Nursing program retention rates increased 2%.
  • The number of students graduating from nursing programs decreased by 12%.
To ensure program quality the law also requires that nursing education programs become accredited within five years of enrolling students; as of December 2016, 93 programs have achieved accreditation.

Most 2013-14 practical nursing program graduates (67%), associate degree graduates (80%), and bachelor's degree graduates (85%) were licensed and likely employed as a nurse in Florida in 2015.

Related Reports
  1. Approximately 42% of Nursing Programs Had Licensure Exam Passage Rates Below the Required Legislative Standard in 2016
    Report 17-07 June 2017
  2. Approximately 42% of Nursing Programs Had Licensure Exam Passage Rates Below the Required Legislative Standard in 2015
    Report 16-05 July 2016
  3. Florida's Nursing Education Programs Continued to Expand in 2015
    Report 16-02 January 2016
  4. Over One-Third of Nursing Programs Had Licensure Exam Passage Rates Below the Required Legislative Standard in 2014
    Report 15-07 July 2015
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
nursing education programs, Florida nursing education programs, HB 1209, Ch. 2009-168, Florida Board of Nursing, Florida nursing education approval process, nursing education, nursing shortage, licensed practical nurse, associate degree in nursing, bachelor of science in nursing, LPN, ADN, BSN